Cuckoo: A Creepy New Horror Flick from Neon
Get ready to be creeped out because "Cuckoo," Neon's latest Horror film, is about to make you question everything. We're talking weird vibes, a whole bunch of suspense, and a slight case of psychological terror, especially in a resort town set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Bavarian Alps! Writer and director Tilman Singer (who brought you the amazing movie "Luz") knows what's up when it comes to building a truly creepy atmosphere. From those first scenes where we hear about the "cuckoo" thing, to Hunter Schafer's Gretchen taking a road trip with her family - things start to get unnerving really fast! You'll be watching from the vantage point of a moving van, feeling the unease growing right alongside Gretchen.
Get ready, this story isn't simple. "Cuckoo" keeps you guessing as you explore the secrets lurking in that resort town run by Herr König. It's a weird town - everyone is nice, but everything seems a little off. We’ve got a teen who is trying to adjust to her family's crazy situation. She has to relocate with her dad and stepmom, and her baby sis. And guess what - she's the only one who’s shocked when everyone says she's not invited to be a part of the family vacation at König's resort, leading to some truly interesting moments.
Hunter Schafer Brings That Euphoria-Era Vibe
It might sound weird, but it's kind of fitting. Hunter Schafer, the actress you’re probably know from HBO's "Euphoria", is amazing playing a teen who's a bit on edge. It's not hard to tell that she’s completely estranged from her family. This teen starts sending weird messages to her dead mother's voice-mail, which sets the whole vibe.
We get these moments of Gretchen's life being almost a time loop - kind of a "Groundhog Day" thing happening. But then those scary, real, moments of medical body Horror creep in, giving the whole thing this eerie mix of "something’s super not right" and "there's some kind of mystery". It really shows just how great Schafer is in this type of genre! You can't take your eyes off her - it's almost like a magnetic thing that pulls you into the darkness with her!
Just Who Is Herr König, and What Are his True Intentions?
If there's one thing for sure, it's that Herr König, played by the super-talented Dan Stevens, is totally a creepy dude! His super cheerful way of greeting new arrivals just sets off alarm bells right away! There are these almost magical elements - you have that weird lady in the shadows, glowing eyes and screaming! She seems to be after Gretchen! We see these haunting visions that keep appearing in Gretchen's mind, adding to the unsettling mystery of what is really happening
And you just KNOW something is really, really wrong. The film's main theme, the cuckoo being a parasite that gets its kids raised by other birds, seems to mirror all those sinister motives and intentions of Herr König's plans... But the details of it all are lost in this foggy atmosphere, giving us plenty to wonder about as the movie unfolds.
That Finale Has Everyone Thinking - Will You Be Left With Questions?
Even if we're not sure if Gretchen's visions are real, or maybe just her imagination - we've got a few big moments that will keep you on your toes! The tension builds between Gretchen and Herr König! You’re wondering "Will this go super bad or maybe turn out to be okay? We are hoping that little sister Alma, who can't speak, doesn’t get dragged into the whole crazy mess. But even when everything hits a peak in this finale, things aren't all wrapped up like a perfect bow!
"Cuckoo" doesn’t shy away from being creepy. You’ll be thinking about all these strange events for days afterward! A few details of how all those metaphors come into play - that might leave you a bit confused, but the climax is a big rollercoaster! For those who want a fresh twist on those psychological horror stories and love seeing what Dan Stevens and Hunter Schafer can bring to a movie - this might be the ticket! Check out the trailer and decide if "Cuckoo" is something you want to dive into this Halloween!